Kitchen Islands That Work as Hard as You
Innovative and stylish, these carefully considered kitchen islands are designed to achieve great things – just like you!
We’ve tracked down some thoughtfully designed kitchen islands that not only combine outstanding style and functionality, but also feature design innovations that take them beyond your standard, everyday work station.
Without doubt this is the next generation of kitchen islands, set to become the ultimate control centre of the home where all essential daily tasks take place. So before you sign off on your own kitchen design, make sure you’re not overlooking any opportunities to add some of these super-smart features that will make everyday living that much easier.
Without doubt this is the next generation of kitchen islands, set to become the ultimate control centre of the home where all essential daily tasks take place. So before you sign off on your own kitchen design, make sure you’re not overlooking any opportunities to add some of these super-smart features that will make everyday living that much easier.
Different bench heights
Clever, ergonomically designed kitchens should be able to meet the demands of all the family, particularly if everyone is of different heights. Customising an island that includes two or more work surfaces at various heights will encourage productivity and comfort, and inspire even the smallest members of the family to join in with the cooking.
Clever, ergonomically designed kitchens should be able to meet the demands of all the family, particularly if everyone is of different heights. Customising an island that includes two or more work surfaces at various heights will encourage productivity and comfort, and inspire even the smallest members of the family to join in with the cooking.
The sociable station
In most open-plan living spaces that include the kitchen, the island becomes the focal point because it is the central divider between the cooking and living areas. By incorporating open shelves or cubby holes on the outside of the island, and displaying a combination of cookbooks and accessories, the visual boundaries between the two zones are blurred, creating a cohesive and harmonious flow between the different spaces of activity.
In most open-plan living spaces that include the kitchen, the island becomes the focal point because it is the central divider between the cooking and living areas. By incorporating open shelves or cubby holes on the outside of the island, and displaying a combination of cookbooks and accessories, the visual boundaries between the two zones are blurred, creating a cohesive and harmonious flow between the different spaces of activity.
Homework station
For most busy households, the kitchen is the heart of the home. The central island often becomes the place where everyone congregates, so there’s no better spot to incorporate a homework station. Children can work while dinner is prepared, and you’re right there to help if they need it. Or perhaps it could become the household hub where bills get paid and family diaries can be coordinated. It’s a practical work area that’s sure to get plenty of use, whatever your family’s needs are.
For most busy households, the kitchen is the heart of the home. The central island often becomes the place where everyone congregates, so there’s no better spot to incorporate a homework station. Children can work while dinner is prepared, and you’re right there to help if they need it. Or perhaps it could become the household hub where bills get paid and family diaries can be coordinated. It’s a practical work area that’s sure to get plenty of use, whatever your family’s needs are.
Integrated computer
Even the most stylish of home offices are often abandoned in favour of the kitchen island, due to its social element (and proximity to the kettle). A pop-up all-in-one computer built into the benchtop is pure genius. It can be easily accessed when needed, then slotted away to reveal a seamless surface on which to prepare food (or eat it). With the development of wireless technology, there’s no need for ugly connecting wires and the keyboard and mouse can be neatly tidied away too.
Even the most stylish of home offices are often abandoned in favour of the kitchen island, due to its social element (and proximity to the kettle). A pop-up all-in-one computer built into the benchtop is pure genius. It can be easily accessed when needed, then slotted away to reveal a seamless surface on which to prepare food (or eat it). With the development of wireless technology, there’s no need for ugly connecting wires and the keyboard and mouse can be neatly tidied away too.
Double work station
Kitchen islands are often the perfect solution for completing a functional work triangle between the sink, stove and fridge. But have you ever considered adding an extra tap at the stovetop and doubling up your work station options? It’s a smart idea and brilliant for a professional-style kitchen that sees a lot of action. Add an in-built water filter and grabbing a quick drink couldn’t be easier.
Kitchen islands are often the perfect solution for completing a functional work triangle between the sink, stove and fridge. But have you ever considered adding an extra tap at the stovetop and doubling up your work station options? It’s a smart idea and brilliant for a professional-style kitchen that sees a lot of action. Add an in-built water filter and grabbing a quick drink couldn’t be easier.
Inset herb garden
Create an appealing visual partition between the prep and eating areas on an island by designing an integrated herb garden that’s sunk into the centre. It will bring instant life and colour to the space, as well as making it convenient to add fresh flavours to your culinary creations.
Grow-your-own kitchen herb gardens
Create an appealing visual partition between the prep and eating areas on an island by designing an integrated herb garden that’s sunk into the centre. It will bring instant life and colour to the space, as well as making it convenient to add fresh flavours to your culinary creations.
Grow-your-own kitchen herb gardens
Floating storage
Created with pegs and elastic cord, this clever grid-like display on the side of the island provides eye-catching storage for wine bottles and cookbooks. Painting the base of the island in a bold or deep tone that contrasts with the rest of the space will add to the impact and make a design statement.
Created with pegs and elastic cord, this clever grid-like display on the side of the island provides eye-catching storage for wine bottles and cookbooks. Painting the base of the island in a bold or deep tone that contrasts with the rest of the space will add to the impact and make a design statement.
Family fun
You may not have enough space for extra open shelving around the base of your kitchen island, but why not turn the sides of it into a magnetic chalkboard? Not only will you keep the little ones occupied while you prepare lunch, but you’ll have a great spot to display their artwork or to post not-to-be-missed notes for the family. No more excuses for forgetting the milk!
You may not have enough space for extra open shelving around the base of your kitchen island, but why not turn the sides of it into a magnetic chalkboard? Not only will you keep the little ones occupied while you prepare lunch, but you’ll have a great spot to display their artwork or to post not-to-be-missed notes for the family. No more excuses for forgetting the milk!
L-shaped island
If you have a big family or enjoy entertaining at your island, rethink the shape so you can arrange the seating in a sociable manner, not just in a simple line along one side. Take inspiration from Teppanyaki dining and create a corner where you can mix cocktails or prepare food in front of guests, and it will be a seriously sociable experience.
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How have you ramped-up the functionality of your kitchen island? Tell us in the Comments below.
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If you have a big family or enjoy entertaining at your island, rethink the shape so you can arrange the seating in a sociable manner, not just in a simple line along one side. Take inspiration from Teppanyaki dining and create a corner where you can mix cocktails or prepare food in front of guests, and it will be a seriously sociable experience.
TELL US
How have you ramped-up the functionality of your kitchen island? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more kitchen islands
Fed up with small appliances cluttering up your benchtops? This island solves storage issues with concealed nooks built on top of the bench. The nooks allow easy access to appliances while keeping unsightly wires and general clutter out of view, and will provide a splashback if you have a sink or stove as part of the island unit. Power points fitted at the back of these nooks will be an appreciated addition, while the top ledge can be transformed into a serving area for food or drinks.
See more kitchen storage ideas